Recently I have watched movie called "Revolver" and in there they have 2 insanely mint Cadillac's. Anyone who have seen that movie would know exactly what I'm talking about. One of them was 1978 Fleetwood I believe. I'm just wondering about 2 things.

1.) Why is it so hard to find one for sale.

2.) It has a very thirsty and low power engine. Is it worth doing an engine swap on that car? Can the body handle 300 HP or so?

There are a lot of 1978 Cadillacs out there, especially on ebay, its tough finding the Fleetwood over a Sedan or Coupe deVille though.

The 425 isn't exactly "low power", it makes decent power nowadays, but it was pretty good in its day. Yes you can do an engine swap, the most popular choices are the 500 and 472 from 1968-76, and yes, that body can handle much more than 300hp easily.

P.S. There is a VERY cool '79 Coupe deVille in "Goodfellas". It is a phaeton edition in a medium saddle ruidoso color. Beeauuutifiul!

Omega-Red

03-23-06, 06:46 PM

There are a lot of 1978 Cadillac's out there, especially on eBay, its tough finding the Fleetwood over a Sedan or Coupe deVille though.

The 425 isn't exactly "low power", it makes decent power nowadays, but it was pretty good in its day. Yes you can do an engine swap, the most popular choices are the 500 and 472 from 1968-76, and yes, that body can handle much more than 300hp easily.

P.S. There is a VERY cool '79 Coupe Deville in "Goodfellas". It is a phaeton edition in a medium saddle ruidoso color. Beeauuutifiul!

I found only 1 for sale and that was on some website were I found that pic. There are a lot of Fleetwood on eBay but they are all 1980's plus and I like that one specificly because of the back window part.

It's a lot bigger and wider (frame wise). How much do they usually go for? And how hard is it to find a black on black in decent condition?

About the engine. If I am not making a mistake from my research it has a 7.7L engine with about 140 ish + hp? and about 240 + tq? please correct me if I'm wrong. Also those engines are kind of thirsty judging from what i have read on some of the reviews. LT1/LS1 would be a good swap what do you think?

I never seen movie good fellas but I will check it out for sure asap.

http://www.chooseyouritem.com/classics/files/98500/98984.html

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-23-06, 07:00 PM

I dont know where you got 140hp and 240lb/ft, thats something more fitting to a 307 Olds V8.

The 425 was rated at 180hp and 320lb/ft for the 4bbl version, and 195hp and 320 lb/ft for the FI version. More than adequate power, even for the 4900lb '78 Eldorado!

I would assume mileage around 11 city/ 18 highway for one in good tune.

I am not sure if the LT1 or LS1 would be possible due to electronics (or lack there of) but it would be interesting.

Omega-Red

03-23-06, 10:17 PM

WOW 49000 lb's? sounds like H1 :D

Actually those are decent engine stats. So can you tell me what is the average price I should be looking at when buying one?

davesdeville

03-24-06, 04:42 AM

I owned a 78 Fleetwood. I got it for $1k, in not the best condition. If you put an LT1/LS1 in there, that's a pretty foolish plan. If you want decent economy, maybe. If you're looking for power go for 500/472ci, there's a 500 powered yellow 79 Coupe Deville (same chassis) that runs mid 10s all motor (albeit at 13:1 with a bit lighter weight.) The 78 Fleetwood weighs in a bit over 4300lbs.

11 city is selling it a bit short IMO, if I'm getting a bit over 13 at the last fillup, all city in a 500ci/5200lb 75 Deville. 18 highway is probably pretty accurate.

Bro-Ham

03-24-06, 07:20 AM

Hi,

I have a 1979 Sedan deVille, which has the same driveline as a 1978 Fleetwood Brougham, and I have driven the car from Hudson, Wisconsin to Sarasota, Florida twice this winter. On these trips, I drove, on average, 75 miles per hour and the gas mileage was consistently 15 to 17 mpg. EPA fuel economy ratings from 1979 were 14 city and 20 highway. Those ratings were from an era when the maximum highway speed in the country was 55 mph and I think the estimate of 20 mpg on the highway would be accurate if we actually did drive that slow. The 4 barrel 425 has plenty of power and is exceptionally smooth and quiet and the 425 engine is incredibly simple and durable.

Truly nice examples of the 1977-1979 425 Cads seem harder and harder to find and prices can range from a few hundred bucks to over $10k. I purchased my car last October for $4,500 with 61k miles and it's exceptionally nice. I've gone overboard and invested another $2-3k renewing everything from exhaust, radiator, tires, shocks, springs, suspension, belts, hoses...everything, in order to make the car 100% roadworthy and safe for driving on the long road trips I enjoy taking regularly. It's amazing how pleasruable these cars are to drive especially considering they are getting really old. I wish Cadillac still made cars like these.

Have fun and good luck in the search!

Dave

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-24-06, 12:36 PM

11 city is selling it a bit short IMO, if I'm getting a bit over 13 at the last fillup, all city in a 500ci/5200lb 75 Deville.

Well shit! I got an average of 13MPG in my LT1 Roadmaster with 138-151k miles, but I drove it like a Corvette! How is 13MPG possible in a '75 Deville? Do you granny it or what?

davesdeville

03-24-06, 08:46 PM

I don't granny it too much. I wind it out (all the way to its stock shift point of like 3400) once in awhile. It's got so much low end that I rarely see much over 1800rpm during regular driving.

Omega-Red

03-24-06, 09:35 PM

Thank's guys for all your help. :thumbsup:

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-25-06, 09:22 AM

I don't granny it too much. I wind it out (all the way to its stock shift point of like 3400) once in awhile. It's got so much low end that I rarely see much over 1800rpm during regular driving.

Stock shift point of 3400?! Thats like a Diesel! What is the redline? Like 4000rpm?

Benzilla

03-25-06, 06:26 PM

P.S. There is a VERY cool '79 Coupe deVille in "Goodfellas". It is a phaeton edition in a medium saddle ruidoso color. Beeauuutifiul!
I'm in love with that car!!!:bulging: :jawdrop: BTW the color is Western Saddle Firemist with Briar Brown top and Antique Saddle interior, I know everything about that car :)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/Cadillac_guy/591.jpg
Theirs also this one... I like it too, its so differant.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/Cadillac_guy/273.jpg

Lord Cadillac

03-25-06, 07:36 PM

I had that same exact Phaeton.. I gave it away for Free.. Imagine? It ran 100% perfect and was in near mint condition.. I gave it to a neighbors son, who wrecked it in a few days.. Back then, I wasn't the psychotic Cadillac enthusiast that I am today. I wish I had been...

CoupeDevilleRob

03-25-06, 07:58 PM

Is the close up of Ray Liotta's ass really necessary?

davesdeville

03-25-06, 08:19 PM

Stock shift point of 3400?! Thats like a Diesel! What is the redline? Like 4000rpm?

A WOT shift is about 34-3500, BUT then again I'm not sure if my throttle linkage has full travel. It is not fast and I don't race anybody in it right now so I haven't looked into it. New stock valvesprings will cause valve float around 4200, so 118k mile 31 year old vavlesprings are going to be even worse.

Night Wolf

03-25-06, 09:29 PM

ahhhhhhhhhhhh :(

Anyway.... '79 425 stock 1-2 shift is 3,900RPM, stock 2-3 shift is 3,400RPM... if manually kept in 2nd and brought to ~4,200RPM (redline?) the car will reachs its top speed of around 112mph.

Bro-Ham

03-25-06, 11:43 PM

Hi,

You guys and the big engine fantasies...Cads are for cruising. To my simple way, the power is for the fun of having it. Just relax and enjoy. :thumbsup:

Stock 425 is a pleasure! Just drove 200 miles round trip to Pepin, WI to my favorite restaurant, The Harbor View Cafe, and the 79 Cad brought my group of four, including me, in style and fun! Everyone loved every minute of the cushy one of a kind Cad experience! I do have to say that my car makes me nervous above 70 mph! :)

D

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-25-06, 11:49 PM

I'm in love with that car!!!:bulging: :jawdrop: BTW the color is Western Saddle Firemist with Briar Brown top and Antique Saddle interior, I know everything about that car :)
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/Cadillac_guy/591.jpg
Theirs also this one... I like it too, its so differant.
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/Cadillac_guy/273.jpg

Western Saddle Firemist with a Briar Brown top and Antique Saddle interior! I gotta remember that for when I buy one! Best colors ever! You can take your triple black cuz all I want is that!

Is that CDV a Mary Kay one?

Night Wolf

03-26-06, 12:29 AM

Hi,

You guys and the big engine fantasies...Cads are for cruising. To my simple way, the power is for the fun of having it. Just relax and enjoy. :thumbsup:

Stock 425 is a pleasure! Just drove 200 miles round trip to Pepin, WI to my favorite restaurant, The Harbor View Cafe, and the 79 Cad brought my group of four, including me, in style and fun! Everyone loved every minute of the cushy one of a kind Cad experience! I do have to say that my car makes me nervous above 70 mph! :)

D

The ride *IS* sweet....

I set the cruise at 90mph and above for sections of the trip down to FL... besides about a 200RPM difference on the tach, there is no difference... car still rode amazingly smooth and was always under control....

All this talk about the '79's tho.....

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-26-06, 12:34 AM

Judging by the steering in your '81 Dave, I can see how those cars can be a bit unnerving at 70+ mph.

Bro-Ham

03-26-06, 01:11 AM

Judging by the steering in your '81 Dave, I can see how those cars can be a bit unnerving at 70+ mph.

Hi Chadillac,

Yes, the steering is queasy and the tires are skinny and the ride is spongy. To me, these cars are the classic all-American boulevard cruisers and I enjoy them as such. :)

D

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-26-06, 01:13 AM

I agree. You cannot feel confident canyon carving in a car like that. It's meant to cruiiiiise and how!

Night Wolf

03-26-06, 03:30 PM

gosh, I am just going against the grain on this one...... :).

I~LUV~Caddys8792

03-26-06, 06:34 PM

You did some canyon carving in your '79?

Koooop

10-26-06, 04:40 PM

They're easy to find in so Cal, I've been eyeballing a '79 FWD Brougham for $1,500 lately (it needs the front seats recovered)

They are low power and get horrible gas MPG

The body can take lots of HP and abuse.

The 425 is a slug, the Fleetwood is even heavier than the SDV, they're boats. I had mods done to a 425 years ago, the car is tough as nails. drop a 503 in one that would be cool. They come with a TH400 trans which is incredibly tough. If you hold one in first until shift point, shift the lever from 1 to 2 and back to 1 real quick and it'll lay a nice 1-2 scratch, of course you're barely moving but it made me laugh.

Gas shocks in front, air shocks w/split input in back, sway bar and some good tires with a firm side wall...And damn, that pig can handle pretty good! They get 12mpg city or hwy. Cut off the rear muffler and straigh pipe that section and they make a nice GLUB, GLUB, GLUB.

Last year I sold my 1977 SDV for $2,500 (I paid $2,500 for it a year earlier, Beer and E-Bay are not a good combo) I was the second owner, Bright Red on Red with a White vinyl top, original paint (beautiful and shiny with NO oxidation at all just the normal checking) Original Red cloth interior that had been kept covered by the original owner (completely flawless), about 85,000 documented miles and the car had been used weekly from new and kept in a climate controlled garage. Everything worked properly on the car, people went nuts for it. Fun driver.

Benzilla

10-26-06, 04:59 PM

Sounds sweet, but my 425 is no slug, sure yours was alright? mine can lay rubber down from a light, and is WAY better than the 350 in my '90 for getting on the highway.

I know what you mean about handling, I was surprised when I got mine, it's just that you have to grab on to something tight, or else you'll slide all over the interior lol.

Oh, and I don't know why some people feel uneasy at 70 in these things, I feel right at home cruising with the speedometer well buried past 85.

love your sig by the way.

Wheelman322

10-26-06, 11:10 PM

Is the close up of Ray Liotta's ass really necessary?

:bulging: :tongue2: :banana: :2thumbs: :histeric:

BTW my 425 all modded up and proper running, is getting about 12mpg city. On top of that I never feel the need to put my foot down to keep up with modern traffic. Torque is a hell of a drug!

Koooop

10-29-06, 12:57 PM

Sounds sweet, but my 425 is no slug, sure yours was alright? mine can lay rubber down from a light, and is WAY better than the 350 in my '90 for getting on the highway.

I know what you mean about handling, I was surprised when I got mine, it's just that you have to grab on to something tight, or else you'll slide all over the interior lol.

Oh, and I don't know why some people feel uneasy at 70 in these things, I feel right at home cruising with the speedometer well buried past 85.

love your sig by the way.

Maybe slug was a little harsh, I got a ticket in a '77 SDV at 105MPH in AZ, that was all she had! WFO! All 6 or 7 425 SDV's I've had ran right, the 425 is a work horse but I always thought they were a little low on HP.

Yeah, they have enough torque to smoke one! :bouncy:

Try Armor all on the back seat. LOL

I~LUV~Caddys8792

10-29-06, 08:52 PM

Sounds sweet, but my 425 is no slug, sure yours was alright? mine can lay rubber down from a light, and is WAY better than the 350 in my '90 for getting on the highway.

Really? Whoa! I drove 90Brougham350's Brougham once and I thought it made pretty damn good power around town, I can only imagine what a 425 Brougham would be like!

Benzilla

10-29-06, 10:18 PM

The 350 is a little quicker from a light, but once you are going 30 and higher, the 425 has it beat all to hell. Or on a highway going 60 and want to pass, in the '90 I have to put the pedal through the floor and watch the digital speedo slowly rise while I'm slightly pumping the pedal waiting for something to happen. In the Phaeton I just go! It throws me back in the seat. On top of that, the 350 is ruining perfectly, yet the 425 needs a carb rebuild, and is still faster.

Keep in mind, I'm a very hard driver, and ask a lot of my cars, but still, you should be able to pass when you want to.

I~LUV~Caddys8792

10-30-06, 10:12 AM

I guess that's a real good argument for big block torque! The 350 makes 180hp and 295 lb/ft of torque. The 425 also makes 180hp, but 320 lb/ft of torque, a difference really not that significant, which just goes to show what those extra 75 cubes are good for! :D